Retailer considers Court Street location
JANESVILLE — A West Court Street parcel purchased by a developer soon could become the site for a major retailer.
Sara Investment Real Estate bought Wisconsin Turf Equipment Corp. at the southeast corner of Court and Arch streets from Lyle Christopherson.
Sara President Eric Schwartz would not identify the proposed tenant with whom he is negotiating. Schwartz said the Wisconsin Turf buildings will be demolished and new construction could start early next year. He hopes the new tenant opens for business by August.
Sara has several other redevelopment projects in Janesville. It recently bought the Helgesen Building in downtown Janesville and announced plans for its rehabilitation.
Wisconsin Turf opened in 1956 as a full-line distributor of commercial turf maintenance equipment, fertilizer and seed. It sells, services and supports products in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Christopherson said Wisconsin Turf will move before the end of the year.
“I’m looking at a couple of projects,” he said. “I’d like to stay in Janesville, if possible.”
Because of the nature of his business, Christopherson said Wisconsin Turf doesn’t need frontage on a busy street such as West Court.
“What they’re talking about will be very good for the west side,” he said. “It’s the kind of store that will pull people into the area.”
That’s exactly what organizers of the Westgate Business Corridor have been working toward for several years. The coalition of residents, businesses, property owners and community leaders has been working to promote the city’s west and south sides.
“This development will become an anchor that sets up future developments in the area, especially to the east,” said Steve Scaccia, president and chief operating officer of Freedom Plastics and the originator of the Westgate effort.
Scaccia said other projects are in the works. The most immediately recognizable is the demolition of the former Hardee’s across Court Street and the construction of a new auto parts store.
Scaccia praised Sara for its investment initiative and Christopherson for his decision to sell his property.
“After 50 plus years in business, it would have been a lot easier for him to just stay where he is,” Scaccia said. “I know it was a difficult decision for him to make, but I truly believe he made the decision he did with the best interests of the west side in mind.”
Gale Price, manager of city building and development services, said a traffic study likely will be needed, as development of the property is expected to increase the number of left-hand turns off Court Street.
A conditional use for the property also will be likely, he said.
Aug 11, 2008 at 7:40 p.m.
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Rumor on the street is it might possibly be a Hardware Hank's (or something to that effect...)
Jul 19, 2008 at 10:08 p.m.
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A much needed west side hardware store?
Jul 19, 2008 at 9:46 p.m.
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Bed bath & Beyond?? I thought they were filing for bankruptcy just like sharper image and linen & things? I can't see them opening new stores if that is the case.
A "kick" someone said? wow that leaves the door open on several other possibilites like a indoor soccer field perhaps?.
I just hope that whoever does go in there is able to make it in these hard ecconomic times. I also hope that it encourages more business Opportunities on the west and south side of town.
Jul 19, 2008 at 7:48 p.m.
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My source tells me it is going to be Bed Bath & Beyond. A smaller version of Sears(like the one they have in Beloit now) was strongly considered but there was too much concern about GM closing that the plan was dropped. Look for an announcement by the end of the month.
Jul 19, 2008 at 5:23 p.m.
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Maybe a cheaper grocery store like Aldies? I know Trader Joes or Whole Foods was a stretch- but a girl can dream, right? Haha. I'm racking my brain about different department stores and nothing seems to fit right there.
Jul 19, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.
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A kick?? Is it a soccer store? Or is it a Payless Shoe store? Or is it Dick's Sporting Goods? Hope it is something good.
Barnes and Noble would never come to Janesville. The residents of Janesville do not fit B & N's customer profile and criteria. I would tend to agree.
Jul 19, 2008 at 10:27 a.m.
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Your speculations are way off. I think many of you will get a "kick" out of what's planned.
Jul 18, 2008 at 1:18 p.m.
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Walgreen's isn't an "anchor", either. And they're applying for a new electronic sign at Five Points, so I doubt they're planning to close now. (That was last year's rumor but was consistently denied.)
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This is good for the west side one way or another. I was actually surprised when Wis. Turf expanded by tearing down the gas station on the corner, and thought the location was now underutilized.
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It doesn't say whether the parcel in back by the tracks will be part of the development, but it seems likely that an anchor-type store would need that much space. The one that comes to mind that wouldn't prefer a mall environment is Lowe's, but I doubt this is really a large enough location for them.
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It probably won't be clothing, either, and books seem pretty doubtful as well. Office supplies, maybe, housewares, a little more likely.
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I do wonder if this impacts the Hendricks development south of Five Points that's been on hold for lack of an anchor tenant (at one time it was said it could be an Aldi, but that was a long time ago now). The intent does seem to be for a grocery at that location.
Jul 18, 2008 at 1:12 p.m.
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Do mystery retailers ever open? It's been two years since it was announced a mystery retailer (a grocery store) would be going into the old Connors area.....
Jul 18, 2008 at 1:05 p.m.
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Whole Foods? Trader Joe's? I seriously doubt that the Janesville market could support either one for any length of time. Look at these companies websites and see where their stores are located. Then compare those enlightened, moneyed locations to soon-to-be-without-a-major-employer Janesville.
And if you think Basics is expensive...why do you think they call it "Whole Paycheck"?
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:55 p.m.
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I'm guessing it's something Janesville doesn't have, and wouldn't benefit from a highway location like the big box stores. Trader Joe's is a good guess. Maybe a Whole Foods?
I could see CVS building a new store, but they aren't the "anchor" type store described in the article.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:37 p.m.
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A bookstore would be awesome- but that's not raelly a great location for one. Ooh, Trader Joes would be a fantastic addition to Janesville. We need an alternative to the costly natural food store Basics.
Shoot me if we get another dollar store or auto parts store.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.
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I hope it is a book store like Barns and Nobel or Half price books. Or perhaps a craft store for this side of town.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:19 p.m.
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I also heard rumars of the 5 points one closing or something because older folks are afraid to go there.
Jul 18, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
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maybe we could use ANOTHER dollar store
Jul 18, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.
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Wasn't the new Walgreens on Center supposed to be the replacement for the one at 5-points? Or was it just meant to be an additional store?
Jul 18, 2008 at 10:18 a.m.
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beach, haha! Just cant wait to see what its going to be...the suspense is killing me....
Jul 18, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
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I heard they are going to put in a new Walgreens and tear down the one at 5-points.
Jul 18, 2008 at 9:56 a.m.
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I heard Halbach is considering a new venture there . . . . .
Jul 18, 2008 at 9:38 a.m.
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Funny beach. Let's hope it's something a little bigger and will draw lots of people.
Jul 18, 2008 at 9:35 a.m.
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Odds on favorites have a check cashing joint, taco restaurant, or auto parts store!
Jul 18, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.
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Let the speculation begin. Who is moving in there?
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